Sensor Advances Lead to Smart Motion

The advances of smart motion systems will trickle down into several different markets. Smart motion systems are defined by their use of connected networks, advanced sensors, autonomous machinery, and computing power to improve efficiency and production. The motion-control sensor market is one such market that will have a massive expansion and industry growth potential as a result of the smart-motion system growth.

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The motion sensor market is crucial to measuring of not only ambient conditions but also operating conditions of products. This helps to track the maintenance and operation of motion systems.

According to a recent market report from Research and Markets, the motion-control sensor market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.24% from 2017 to 2021. A similar report from Zion Market Research estimates that the global motion sensor market will reach $8.17 billion by 2022.

The reason for this trend is the development of industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems. The sensors and motion-control products work together to introduce smart motion systems on the factory floor. Many sensors are now advanced enough to capture data at the edge or at the device level and transmit said data into the cloud. This provides a greater flexibility for use onsite. Wireless sensors are also being used to send data long range.

Motion control relies on automation, and advances in sensing controls provide enhanced automation. Sensors allow systems to require minimal human intervention due to safety features and higher accuracy readings.

According to Raghav Bharadwaj Shivaswamy, an industry expert at Technavio for research on automation, “in a structured motion-control system, there can be a minimum of one sensor and maximum of six sensors, which can be installed to measure various aspects such as speed, torque, objects, displacement, and position… The majority of the revenue is from position and displacement sensors as these sensors are mainly used for the movement of goods and services in the plant premises through conveyors or other means.”

The report lists the major sensor groups and industries that will benefit over the next five years:

Major Group of Sensors

Position and displacement sensors

Proximity sensors

Speed sensors

Torque sensors

Major Industries

Robotics

Semiconductor machinery

Material handling

Packaging and labeling machinery

Key Products from Motion-Sensor Companies

The report from Research and Markets lists the key players in the motion-control sensor market and some of the highlighted products that are examples of what’s to come in future advancements. According to the report, the top five companies in the motion-control sensor market are Honeywell, ifm, Omron, Schneider Electric, and Sick.

Honeywell

The model 1800 series from Honeywell is an enhanced accuracy rotary torque sensor. The sensor has a torque range of 100 lb.-in. to 100,000 lb.-in. and non-linearity percentage of .05%. It also has an extended speed range up to 27,000 revolutions per minute. This line of sensors is ideal for test installations that have a long-run term durability testing. The non-contact nature of the signal transfer helps eliminate the need for constant maintenance. The high overload protection with high signal output helps protect the sensor from damage and the carrier frequency excitation provides increased signal and noise immunity.

ifm

2-axis tilt sensor / CAN bus / high-precision

The JN2100 sensor from ifm is an inclination sensor. The sensor is used for 2-axis position detection and zero-point leveling for mobile applications. The operating voltage range is 9.2 to 30 volts. The sensor can operate in harsh environments and is IP 65, 67, 68, and 69K rated. It can operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. One of the ideal situations to use it is in a wind generation tower. The structural vibration of a wind tower is typically measured using vibration sensors and displacement sensors. The JN2100 can be used in conjunction with a 3-axis vibration sensor to monitor the structure of the wind tower.